Last month, Williams' family was jubilant after a jury recommended criminal charges against the officers involved in his arrest. The special prosecutor said he can't follow that recommendation.

An officer is guilty if he intentionally fails to render aid and if bodily harm results from the failure under Wisconsin law.

A dashboard camera documented Williams fighting to breathe in the back of a squad car in July 2011. Jurors said his death was the result of sickle cell crisis, but medical experts couldn't say if he would have died if he'd gotten help earlier.

The special prosecutor's decision isn't the end of the Williams inquiry. In October, the local head of the Federal Bureau of Investigation announced the organization would investigate whether officers violated Williams' civil rights.

"Our investigation will be thorough. It will be unbiased, and it will be done as respectfully as possible to everyone involved," FBI Special Agent in Charge Teresa Carlson said on Oct. 10.

Williams' death also prompted policy changes at the Police Department. Officers are now required to call for help if a suspect makes a medical complaint.

The U.S. Attorney's Office said its investigation is ongoing, so it can't comment.

Brian Verdin, a community activist with the Milwaukee Justice Coalition, said the fight for Derek Williams’ family is not over.

“The family has been waiting long enough now for some kind of determination in this case and so we will press for criminal investigations on behalf of the federal government,” Verdin said.

Earlier this week, Verdin delivered a letter to the U.S. Attorney’s Office requesting the Department of Justice investigate the patterns and practices of the Milwaukee Police Department. He said an online petition is gaining steam and he hopes that reaches Attorney General Eric Holder and the White House.

Verdin is asking community members to get their friends and family members to sign up during the holiday weekend.

“We don’t want to conflict with the Easter bunny or other religious services that might be going on this weekend, but this being Good Friday tomorrow, I can’t help but think about a better weekend to try and bring some more justice to Milwaukee,” Verdin said.

"My support for the U.S. Attorney’s investigation remains strong. The issues are serious and the feelings and emotions felt by Mr. Williams’ family cannot be minimized or dismissed. It’s imperative that we all remain patient as the legal process continues," Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett said in a written statement.

Milwaukee Police Association President Mike Crivello said he is pleased with the decision.

"Our thoughts and prayers continue to go out to the family of Derek Williams. We are pleased with special prosecutor (John) Franke's decision in this matter. It is the correct one. Too often, our cops are scrutinized as crooks, while crooks are considered the victim. It's time we reevaluate and get our priorities back on track," Crivello said.

The special prosecutor declined to discuss his decision on camera.

Family Reaction

The decision comes as a setback to the Williams family.

Williams' aunt said her initial reaction is disappointment, but the family will accept the special prosecutor's decision for the moment, however not in the long run.

The family was joined Thursday by the Occupy the Hood organization in front of the special prosecutor's office in protest.

The family spokeswoman, Maeleen Jordan, said there are two federal investigations into the case that continue, and she is now setting her sights on those.

"To my understanding, the feds are going to step in and do their part, and we hope that we will get justice from the feds, because the state, they didn't give us any justice, you know? We even question why the jury was even involved, and for the jury to come back with a verdict of negligence, and for him to overrule that, I see no reason for the jury," Jordan said.

The family also has the option of filing a civil lawsuit. It has hired an attorney but has not filed one yet.

Jordan said the family is proud of the changes that have already been made because of its fight for justice.

"You know, the family, we've made history several times, and one of the things that we love that we have changed is the medical response now when someone is arrested -- it's immediate. If they are injured, it's immediate medical attention, and then internal affairs, to my knowledge get involved, so that came out of Derek's death," Jordan said.

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